Breeders' Cup Mile winner World Approval lined up for Dubai Turf bid

Breeders' Cup Mile winner World Approval has the $6 million Dubai Turf on March 31 on his agenda, trainer Mark Casse has revealed.

The five-year-old, who beat Lancaster Bomber and Ribchester among others at Del Mar last Saturday, has proved he can beat the best in America and Europe over a mile on home soil and will look to showcase his talents overseas in 2018.

The gelded son of Northern Afleet will be turned out at the Live Oak Plantation of owner Charlotte Weber in central Florida having been shipped back from southern California on Wednesday, before heading to Gulfstream Park for a likely prep race for Dubai.

Kentucky-based Casse said: “It’s something I still need to discuss with Mrs Weber. I’d guess we’d want a prep race at Gulfstream before the Dubai Turf. The main thing is that he’ll definitely run next year.”

Winx: the Australian champion mare could face World Approval in the Queen's Mile at Royal AscotCredit: Brendon Thorne

World Approval could become the first Dubai Turf winner saddled by an American trainer since Key Of Luck's victory for Kiaran McLaughlin in 1996, after which there is the exciting prospect of him heading to Royal Ascot.

The Queen Anne would be the most likely target there, as it is for Australian wondermare Winx.

Casse, who won the Queen Anne with Tepin in 2016, said: "It's something to think about. He would probably handle it as good as Tepin, if not better. Now would he have the same results? We hope so.

"I think World Approval is right there. He is doing the exact same things that she used to do."

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